Manchester City kept their nerve in a feisty 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano, which was enough to see them progress 1-0 on aggregate while Liverpool survived a late second-leg scare against Benfica to seal their spot in the Champions League semi-finals.
Atletico Madrid 0-0 Manchester City (City progress 1-0 on aggregate)
Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals after a 1-0 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid following a goalless draw in Wednesday’s second leg in Spain.
Kevin De Bruyne’s goal in last week’s first leg of their quarter-final tie at the Etihad was enough to send Pep Guardiola’s City through to the last four for the second year in a row.
City goalkeeper Ederson turned away a shot from Angel Correa in the dying seconds after more than 12 minutes of stoppage time after a sideline brawl sparked by Felipe kicking out at Phil Foden.
The Brazil defender was sent off for a second yellow card in a feisty finish to the match.
Atletico kept pushing for an equaliser until the very end but City, who lost last season’s final to Chelsea, held on.
Liverpool 3-3 Benfica (Liverpool progress 6-4 on aggregate)
Liverpool booked a Champions League semi-final showdown against Villarreal as the quadruple chasers survived a late collapse in Wednesday’s 3-3 draw with Benfica.
Jurgen Klopp’s side already had one foot in the last four after winning 3-1 in the quarter-final first leg in Lisbon.
They were on cruise control for long spells in the second leg at Anfield, but had to hold their nerve before advancing 6-4 on aggregate after an uncharacteristic meltdown in the closing stages.
Ibrahima Konate put Liverpool ahead before Goncalo Ramos equalised late in the first half.
When Roberto Firmino netted twice after the interval, the tie looked all but over.
However, Roman Yaremchuk and Darwin Nunez struck for Benfica to briefly give the visitors hope of an astonishing escape act, before Liverpool finally restored order.
The Reds will face Spanish side Villarreal in the semi-finals as they look to reach their 10th Champions League final and claim a seventh title in the competition.
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